Holiday Hair in 10 Minutes: Grab Your Hair Stencil

Put away those bows, bands, and spendy hair accessories, because we’ve got a plan for holiday-party hair that’s ingenious and easy. And all it requires is a can or two of Joico InstanTint Shimmer Spray, a splash of creativity, and the ingenious eye of hair stylist, Janine Ker (@janine_ker_hair on Instagram).

PORTRAIT IN PINK

Tip: Finish with a vivid red lip and blouse to bring out the intensity of the hair art.

1) Create and secure an updo that will accommodate your stencil design. (In this case, Janine went with a side-swept look with a side bun that left plenty of space for color.

2) Hover the stencil above the hair to explore composition until you finalize placement.

3) Place stencil securely against hair, and using InstaTint Fiery Coral Shimmer Spray, begin with short bursts of sprays to evenly apply a foundational layer first. Keeping the stencil in place, and repeat using broader, longer sprays. Use a blow dryer with a diffuse on a light setting to set the color if necessary. Repeat until desired amount of coverage is achieved.

4) Keeping the stencil in place, apply Gold Dust on top of the Fiery Coral, spraying in light, short bursts. For dimension, focus Gold Dust on some of the edges for a highlighted effect.

GOOD AS GOLD

Tip: Keep this particular look centered on the silver and gold of the holiday season, and consider pairing with vintage makeup (like a gold eyeliner).

1) Apply a traditional thermal set, then comb out and style, choosing a preferred side for your decorative element and securing with gold bobby pins.

2) Spray the secured surface with Power Spray to smooth down any flyaways.

3) Choose a stencil that compliments the shape and amount of space you’re working with. (We used a small, round vintage-feel design.)

4) Place stencil securely against dry hair. Using Gold Dust, start off with several short sprays to build a foundational layer, then build up with additional layers, always keeping stencil in place. A blow-dryer with a diffuser on low can speed up drying between layers.

5) Gently remove the stencil by peeling it away.

6) Once dry, mix a small amount of glitter and hair gel, dabbing some accent sparkles on top of your design.

PLAYING IT STRAIGHT

Tip: Match the fun, festive hair color with holiday makeup looks that could play with bold trends and metallic.

1) Style a long bob straight, using a flat iron to create a perfect surface.

2) Secure a foundation for stenciling by spraying on a few layers of JoiShape, held at least ten inches away from hair to avoid a stiff look.

3) Starting at the back of the head, place a geometric hair stencil at the perimeter of the long bob, making sure stencil is held in place firmly and closely.

4) Using Pink Dust (or InstaTint Pink, apply several short sprays over the entire area, evenly spraying and repeating until desired covered is achieved. (Use the blow-dryer with diffusion on low heat again to dry the Pink between layers.)

5) Repeat and continue the stencil pattern to the front left and front right perimeter, placing the stencil where the first pattern left off.Get even MORE creative stencil hairstyles by Janine.

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When you want to give that perfect girlie holiday gift–something they’d die for, but never actually buy for themselves–look no further than our 2016 Holiday Beauty Wish List. We scoped out the finest goods, the best prices, things that are on the cusp of cool…and are bringing them to you here so you never have to take so much as a glance at the mall. How’s that for personal shopping?

The beauty haul starts here…

bareMinerals READY BE Beautiful Palette

Wait for the ooohs and aaahs that only slip out when a makeup junkie encounters the ultimate cornerstone of any collection. This perfect matte palette compliments any skin tone with a signature bare look designed to take you from day to night–stocked with neutral eye-shadows, powder, blushers, and bronzer. (We’re kind of in love with Inner Beauty, a warm peachy-pink shade to sweep on your cheeks.) $49; bareescentuals.com

holly drive let your hair down compact

Next time you want to channel your favorite screen star–or just touch up your makeup with a little flourish–you’ll likely reach for this glam gold-and-enamel mirror compact. In a nod to Holly Go Lightly’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany, It’s got a touch of that turquoise. So pretty and elegant…and gift-worthy! $30; katespade.com

Ibuki Quick Fix All Day Set

Shiseido’s taken all the guesswork out of skincare with this ready-to-roll complexion collection: From moisturizers to mists and plenty more, the chosen products target visible pores, dry, rough skin, and even blemishes in one lovely scarlet holiday pouch. $70; shiseido.com

Limited Edition Diptyque Holiday Candle Trio

A candle collection that has a cult celebrity following (as in: they’re actually requested in contracts for dressing rooms) makes perfect scents for the spa girl who loves a little indulgence. This seasonal set, in gem-tone glass votives, contains three new aromas inspired by “a marvelous winter tale in three acts”–Sparkling Incense, Delicious Spices, and The Festive Fire Tree. $100; Nordstrom.com

Christal Initial Velvet Choker

Take the single hottest jewelry trend–the velvet choker–and doll it up with a customized monogram letter, and you’ve pretty much nailed the gift of the year. This one’s black and delicate; perfect for day or nighttime festivities. $38; baublebar.com

The Busy Girl’s A Holiday Blowout

Here’s the easiest way to make someone feel like a million bucks when Power Ball’s not quite the ticket: Buy a gift card from the swankiest local salon and send your girlfriend in for the ultimate magic blowout. Perfect hair, an hour to relax, and glammed-up hair that can go anywhere. Prices vary from city to city.

‘Tis the season to be jolly. And put up holly.
Or put your feet up and pretend it’s December 26th.

Not sure where you stand? Take this quiz and find out just how inviting you really are. You’ll automatically be entered into our “Haul-A-Day Giveaway,” and the chance to win a full-size tube of Luster Lock, the revolutionary new hair treatment everyone’s buzzing about. (We’re giving away 12 each day.)
Ready, set…play!

There’s no better season for beauty and bling than winter celebrations and the looks they inspire. Lucky for us, LA blogger/stylist/Instagram-star Deniz Selin (a.k.a. LeFashionMonster) is at the forefront of those trends, bringing us the hot-list for Holiday 2016.

From day to night and everything in between, Deniz’s looks are quick-as-a-flash and easy as (pumpkin) pie…

Deniz’s download: I love wearing metallics during the holidays, but try to limit them to a single statement piece, like this great gunmetal jacket paired with tamed-down naturals. It’s edgy and elegant, and I can pair it with almost anything, from jeans to a skirt. To do the jacket justice, I polish the look with a half-up/half-down ‘do with serious volume created by spritzing in plenty of Hair Shake, and Flip Turn to hold the look throughout a long, fun evening.

The Setting: The office holiday party

Inspiration: Boss chic

Hair Hair!: Full-bodied waves

The Products That Get You There: Hair Shake Finishing Texturizer Spray

Deniz’s download: There’s always that careful line between conservative and sexy when you’re doing it up for a holiday work event. (On the one hand, you want to look utterly chic; on the other, you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard.) For me, the answer is a cape-style top; I’m loving the way they give you that boss-babe vibe by showing a little power and a little skin. With my cascading curls amped up with Hair Shake, all I need is my favorite glitzy choker to grab some extra attention.

Deniz’s download: The older I get, the more I want to look sexy without going bold/over the top/crazy. And a little black dress–when done up with the right hair and accessories–strikes that perfect chord of less is more. Sure, it’s simple…but it’s exceptional, too. The choker trend is on fire right now, and this dress has the accessory built right in, no extra necklace needed. I love to pair it a simple nude heel, a bold lip, and this not-so-neat top knot that’s feminine as can be.

Sure, Thanksgiving’s all about gratitude. (And too much food.) But the minute all that peace and tranquility is over, the holidays hit full force. Time, we think, to focus on things that fill your heart with joi. You can start with these…

Make relationships a priority.

This is the season of merry and bright, but don’t miss your golden opportunity to reconnect with those around you, by making it your mission to infuse every gift, event, and tradition with personal connection rather than materialism. Instead of gifting a tea set, offer to take someone to high tea; trade that flashy new nail kit for the pleasure of treating your best friend to a mani/pedi-for-two; open a bottle of wine with friends in lieu of sending them your favorite Pinot.

Wrap a gorgeous gift.

You know what’s depressing? Wrapping present after present that looks exactly the same as the one before it. (Thank you summer sale on that jumbo roll of paper.) Feed your creativity and your senses by shaking things up a bit with mix-and-match holiday prints, playful satin ribbons, and tiny treats–candy canes, rosemary, dreidels–tucked into your bows. We’re betting you’ll get as much pleasure creating a spectacular package as the person on the receiving end.

Get glam.

There’s always that party. The one where you can pull out all the stops and dress to the nines…but never seem to have the time at the 27th hour to do it up right. This year, make a few appointments when the invitation arrives: Schedule a blowout; a professional makeup application; and buy yourself an outfit that dazzles. Just this once.

Cut yourself some slack.

Just because the gal you follow on Pinterest is gilding her walnut centerpiece does not mean you have to follow suit. Nor does it mean you’re any less celebratory if you skip over-the-top decorating missions. In fact, you may just be happier…since you’ll have time to eat those walnuts (minus the gold paint) with friends and family.

Throw a movie-night-for-one.

Picture this: It’s A Wonderful Life. Popcorn. A roaring fire. Slippers and sweats. No one to steal the remote or change the channel. Just you, George Bailey, and a heart full of joi.

THATTA CURL! ONE GIRL TACKLES HER TENDRILS

For Michelle O’Connor, Creative Director of the InStyle Salon at JCP, beating her own intensely curly hair into submission is not the goal. That’s because this talented pro–she’s a North American Hairstyling Awards Winner in the “Texture” category–likes to celebrate her natural ringlets, even when they present a challenge or two. (Or three.)

Fortunately, she’s nailed down some savvy tricks, tips, and products that keep each strand nourished and well behaved; even during the drizzly/humid fall and winter months in her hometown of Miami. Here’s Michelle’s curl confessional…

Sulfate freedom!

“We all saw sulfate-free shampoos take a front seat as the preferred product for color-treated hair. But thanks to Joico’s Curl Care Cleansing and Curl Care Nourished, we’re finally seeing the same benefit for textured hair as well. Face it: Curly hair is dry hair…it relies on moisture retention in order to be frizz free, so it’s essential to find products that put it back into the hair.”

Give me a break–not!

“Whether we like it or not, curls twist and bend all the way down to the hair shaft, and with each bend comes a weakened section. (Even worse, the tighter the curl, the more weakened areas exist!) One of the reasons I’m so enamored with Curl Care is that it contains repair technology that strengthens each strand, resulting in 64 percent less breakage. That’s HUGE.”

The washing “situation”

Straight-haired girls can take comfort in knowing that oil production from the scalp manages to do its job by traveling down the hair shaft to nourish each strand. Curly girls not so much. That’s because oil can’t manage the topsy-turvy twists and turns of each tendril, causing hair from the mid-shaft down to be deprived of essential moisture. Curl Co+Wash allows me to gently cleanse my hair several times a week, knowing that I’m not stripping even more of that moisture out of my hair with each washing.”

Fro sure!

I have coarse, thick hair that has the potential to be twice the size of my head. So naturally, volume has never been an issue! Don’t get me wrong: I love a good curly ‘fro, hair pick and all; but if I don’t achieve distinct ringlets, we’re talking about a serious frizz situation. I’ve recently fallen in love with Curl Controlling, because it allows my curls to dry in a really defined way. I can literally just shake them out and watch each strand expand into a beautiful, well-managed curl. For added volume, I then use a pick to lift my roots, while keeping the gorgeous definition and bounce.”

As the days get short, cold, and—we’ll just say it, gloomy—your emotional health could be be taking a trip to the dark side, too. Perfect time to try some conscious, uplifting strategies designed to keep your spirits on the rise. Here, five ways to get happy when things are brewing…

1) Eat the season.

We’re not talking about 17 snack-size candy bars from the Halloween bag. We’re talking about indulging in the bounty of Superfoods that grace the produce sections of your grocery store in fall. Choices like sweet potatoes, pumpkin, pomegranates, walnuts, and crisp apples are rich in the nutrients (fiber, vitamins, beta-carotene and more) that make us feel and look our best.

2) Write a note.

No, not an email. Not a text. Not a post on Facebook. Take pen to paper and write the kind of good, old-fashioned note that requires postage and a walk to the mailbox. The gesture feels purposeful, philanthropic, and good. Receiving one in this day of bland electronic communication is like hitting the correspondence lottery!

3) Change your hair color.

Those autumnal shades of ginger, burgundy, cocoa, and gold inspire a whole new style palette each fall…and that doesn’t have to be limited to your wardrobe. Try tweaking your hair color to something richer and more warming; then keep those strands in the best possible condition with K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock Instant Shine & Repair Treatment. Because nothing makes a girl smile more than really amazing hair.

4) Spend time with friends.

Sounds like a no-brainer, but a recent study showed that people with a large, healthy circle of friends outlived those with fewer friends by more than 20 percent. And there’s no better time to gather your peeps than during Halloween season, when those dark-and-stormy cocktails, chili bread bowls, and candy corn treats beckon.

5) Exercise for 7 minutes.

It might not undo the candy damage, but exercise—even in minimal amounts—triggers endorphins, the chemicals in your brain that are associated with feelings of euphoria. Granted, 20 minutes would do your body better; but your mind will be joi-ful with a small dose, too.

All eyes were laser-focused on stage last week, as Behind The Chair’s Color Show models unveiled transformative new looks for fall, created exclusively with Joico’s LumiShine and Vero K-PAK Color lines. We grabbed the guys who created these sensations—color superpowers Denis De Souza and Ricardo Santiago—and begged for details. Good news for you: They gave them up…

DE-LUXE CASHMERE

The who: Denis De Souza

The what: A gorgeous, blue-eyed model hankering for drastic change—like this buttery platinum blonde shade that stopped the show dead in its tracks.

The why: “I knew that this beige-blonde was going to look beautiful against her creamy skin and make those blue eyes pop even more!”

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE

The who: Ricardo Santiago

The what: A modern Mohawk highlighted to show off texture, dimension, and edgy color.

The why: “I wanted to capture some of my favorite fall hues, like the cool, violet smoke coming out of a chimney. Translated to hair, it’s mysterious and modern–and it’s a color that suits this model perfectly!”

Are you getting that tingly autumn vibe? The joyous urge to go crunch some leaves…curl up by a fire…bake a pie? (Or, eat a pie.) We’re with you; in fact, we’re all about doing things that nurture the soul and create happy moments in life. These uplifting ideas should do the trick…

1) Go apple picking.

No reason kids should have all the fun. Believe it or not, there are actual physical and psychological benefits to spending time plucking ripe, juicy fruit from a tree: It puts you in the great outdoors, which is known to reduce depression and tension. It usually means valuable shared time with friends or family. And biting into that fiber-rich apple lowers the risk of diabetes, while helping you reach your weight-loss goals. Plus, the Instagram photo ops are perfection.

2) Find a new flame.

Sure, new love will bring a smile to your face. But we’re talking about the kind of flame that you don’t find on Match or Tinder. Simply buy yourself some fireplace flame crystals (like these), and prepare to be mesmerized by a spectacular display of color rainbow color.

3) Develop some class.

Whether it’s a writing lab, a public-speaking course, sailing lessons, or even a cake decorating class, putting aside some time for learning and self-improvement pays off big-time in the psych department. In addition to boosting confidence, personal development can result in sustained happiness…the kind you don’t get from money or a string of nice things.

4) Create color in your life.

Punching up life with new hues is a surefire way to change your mood for the better. For hair, that can mean a pop of fun color (the kind you get with Joico’s InstaTint Temporary Shimmer Sprays); in your makeup, a gorgeous new burgundy lipstick may be just the ticket; and at home, try changing out your throw pillows, lap blankets, and sultry candles to a warming autumnal palette.

5) Make time for tea.

Aside from the proven health benefits, pausing for an afternoon tea break is comforting and rejuvenating. It gives you time to think. Stops the insanity of your day for a moment. And soothes your soul. Says Philadelphia psychologist, Dr. David Weiman, Ph.D., “There’s quite a bit of evidence that nurturing yourself is one of the most reliable ways to increase happiness. While it’s nice when others do things for us, the more things we do for ourselves, the greater the satisfaction.”

Boots and sweaters for now, sure. But the designers at New York Fashion Week had their eye on the next season, and wait ‘til you see what you’re going to be wearing in 2017. We put trend-spotter Sheridan Gregory, creator of the popular style blog, blueeyedfinch.com, in the middle of the action. Her Top Six Picks are here…

1) FLOWER BOUQUETS

Florals popped up all over the runway, especially at the Rebecca Minkoff show, where they were playfully mixed with edgy prints. With everything focused on fall right now, it was so refreshing to see all those whimsical, pretty floral patterns,” reports Sheridan.

2) CHIFFON CHIC

It’s not uncommon to see racks and racks of seersucker and lace in the warmer months, but you’re going to love the chiffon choices in every imaginable shape—dresses, tops, skirts, and more. According to Sheridan, these delicate pieces are light and airy, and often paired—no surprise here–with florals.

3) UNDONE HAIR

“Every single show I attended had models with gorgeously “messy” hair,” raves Sheridan of the natural ‘dos that came down the runways. The looks, which ranged from Boho braids to piece-y buns, were surprisingly flawless, though. (Translation: undone hair that’s thoughtfully and methodically styled/pulled apart/tousled to look carefree.) Best product to make that happen? Joico’s Hair Shake…perfect for adding texture and a casual finish.

5) GYPSY SOUL

Patterns and prints mixed with abandon called to mind Gypsy style…free-flowing fashion that was feminine, easy to wear, and—spoiler alert—available right now. “Rebecca Minkoff’s ‘see now, buy now’ feature to her collection was very interesting and effective. I definitely came across a few pieces that I wanted to purchase right off the runway.”